MR A Sedgwick (Letters, May 14) states that he is accused by me of "giving advice to pensioners."

That is exactly what he did, however, when he stated that pensioners should "pose as an asylum seeker and claim all the benefits that ensue" (Letters, April 16).

This clearly implies that asylum seekers are better off than pensioners. Anyone with the slightest knowledge of the benefits system knows that this is absolute nonsense.

He also states that asylum seekers receive "home care," "free cookery lessons" and "no queuing at the post office" -- again, absolutely untrue!

It is clear that Mr Sedgwick is unimpressed by the government's policy in regard to pensioners, yet omits to mention the Winter Fuel Allowance, Minimum Income Guarantee, free TV Licences for older pensioners and the pension Credit which will be implemented soon.

Of course, more needs to be done, but these measures have and will help millions of pensioners in our country.

Councillor DAVE SMITH (Sunnyhurst Ward), Woodbank Avenue, Darwen.